Robb Russell is The Wildlife Pro

The Wildlife Pro, provides general wildlife control and resolves wildlife damage issues throughout most of North Central Florida.
Its founder and owner, Robb Russell operates a online learning center for wildlife professionals at http://www.wildlifepro.net.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Personally, I like squirrels. My backyard is full of a group of squirrels who get their morning exercise chasing each other around the yard. It is particularly funny when 2 chase each other and then all of a sudden, they reverse roles- the one being chased turns around and is now the chaser. My kids & wife especially love watching this.

But when these squirrels suddenly take up residence in my home or yours it is important to have them excluded from your home. Squirrels like other wildlife and rodent in particular are responsible for the spread of diseases like Histoplasmosis and other diseases. When they make a home out of your attic or homes walls they urinate and defecate all over the place.

Hiring a professional to inspect your home, and begin excluding these lovely creatures many times can be done by the installation of one way doors allowing them to leave and no longer re-enter.In addition to installing one way excluders we will close off all access points and identify how to keep your home wildlife free.

If you have any wildlife , animal or bird concerns please give me a call . I promise to find the solution to eliminating your wildlife problems.

Robb Russell

1-800-714-8727

Servicing Most of North Central Florida, including the communities surrounding Gainesville, Ocala, Alachua, Newberry, Trenton, Branford, Ft White, Lake City, Live Oak,Lake Butler, Worthington Springs, High Springs,& the western parts of Jacksonville.

I handle most animal, bird ,reptile, wildlife concerns you the North Florida residents may encounter bats, raccoons, squirrels,moles, pocket gophers, snakes, lizards, sparrows, pigeons, nutria, beaver. Some of these may require by permit from the Florida Wildlife Fish & Game Commission.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Recently while driving down US 27 near my home my truck air conditioning suddenly flushed my vehicle with the scent of a dead skunk somewhere out of my sight but clearly within range of my smell buds. The song, Dead Skunk In The Middle Of The Road by Loudon Wainright III which was a big hit in 1972 quickly came to mind.

Click Below to listen to the song performed by the original artist performing in Germany .

Skunks (sometimes referred to as polecats or a striped weasel) are mammals best known for their ability to excrete a strong, foul-smelling odor.Did you know a skunk can spray with high accuracy as far away as 7 to 15 feet ! Skunks have a pair of anal scent glands that they use as a defensive arsenal. The odor is the result of a mixture of sulfur-containing chemicals created within a beast often described as a combination of rotten eggs, garlic, burnt rubber and a pair of nasy dirty socks.

Skunks are omnivorous, eating both plant and animal material and changing their diet as the seasons change. They eat insects and larvae, earthworms, small rodents, lizards, salamanders, frogs, snakes, birds, moles, and eggs. They also commonly eat berries, roots, leaves, grasses, fungi, and nuts.

In settled areas, skunks also seek human garbage. Less often, skunks may be found acting as scavengerrs, eating birdand rodent carcasses left by cats or other animals. Pet owners, particularly those of cats, may experience a skunk finding its way into a garage or basement where pet food is kept. Skunks commonly dig holes in lawns in search of grubs and worms.

Skunks are one of the primary predators of the honeybee, relying on their thick fur to protect them from stings. The skunk scratches at the front of the beehive and eats the guard bees that come out to investigate. Mother skunks are known to teach this to their young. I also perform live bee removals and am equipped to help any beekeeper on getting rid of skunks and saving their bee hives.

Many of us don't give much thoughts to skunks until our dog comes home stinking or a skunk and its family moves in under the family porch. However, once their is initial contact with a skunk most folks don't mess round and find a professional to help them remove it and save their homes from unleashing an unforgettable odor.

If you have any concerns related to skunks or other wildlife , animal or bird concerns please give me a call . I promise to find the solution to eliminating your wildlife problems.

Robb Russell

1-800-714-8727

Servicing Most of North Central Florida, including the communities surrounding Gainesville, Ocala, Alachua, Newberry, Trenton, Branford, Ft White, Lake City, Live Oak,Lake Butler, Worthington Springs, High Springs,& the western parts of Jacksonville. I handle most animal, bird ,reptile, wildlife concerns you the North Florida residents may encounter bats, raccoons, squirrels,moles, pocket gophers, snakes, lizards, sparrows, pigeons, nutria, beaver and or skunks. Many of these may require apermit from the Florida Wildlife Fish & Game Commission.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Squirrels can be considered adorable, but when they start chewing up your home and nesting in your attic space, Robb Russell, The Wildlife Pro is here to help. The Wildlife Pro specializes in 24 hour emergency squirrel removal services in the entire North central Florida Region- Live Oak, Jasper, White Springs, McClenny, Orange Park,Keystone Heights, Starke, Waldo, Hawthorne, Gainseville, Ocala, Newberry, Trenton, Chiefland, High Springs, Alachua, Branford, Fort White, Mayo, Brooker , Lake Butler and the remainder of the North Central Florida region.

It's the season for squirrels in the North Central Florida and they are not hibernating. It is important to take prompt removal action to assure that your home and property are not destroyed by chewing squirrels and that you family isn't exposed to diseases.

Squirrels like to nest inside the eaves and attics of homes and commercial properties when left alone, they can be quite destructive. Squirrels are difficult to eradicate once established. They will return year after year to the same location for nesting. To remove them, you will need professional experienced service from Robb Russell, The Wildlife Pro, your squirrel removal experts.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Are you uncomfortable when you associate the words of Wildlife & Disease? If not, you should be since nearly 30 infectious diseases common here in Florida can and may start with the wildlife that surrounds us in our very own local communities. These are disease that are easily transmitted freom animal to human and many of them can be even fatal if detected in latent stages. Many of us who handle wildlife are aware of the potential of a disease being present but many homeowners or parents don't thus the reason to share these words never handle wildlife, and never feed wildlife.

For example, live-trapping a nuisance raccoon with an in apparent infection of rabies or other disease, then transporting and releasing that raccoon in another area can be devastating to individuals in the new area, as it will likely enhance the spread of rabies or other diseases. That is the main reason it is illegal to transport wild-trapped, live raccoons in Florida. Current law in Florida as of July 1st, 2008 requires all nuisance wildlife may only be transported for purposes of euthanasia and both homeowner and professional are accountable to following the law.

Examples of Infectious Disease Agents

Rabies is probably the most notable and feared viral zoonotic disease. Rabies has been found in a number of Florida mammals including raccoons, bats, skunks, foxes, opossums, otters, bobcats, and panthers.The rabies virus is most commonly transmitted from the saliva of the infected animal into the bite wound of another. Raccoons and bats are probably the most important hosts because they live in close proximity to humans, although the percentage of infected individuals within an area might be quite low. Brucellosis in wild hogs and salmonellosis in a number of carnivores and other medium-sized mammals are two examples of bacterial zoonotic diseases. These are transmitted by direct contact, either by the handling of infected meat in the case of brucellosis, or contaminated feces in the case of salmonellosis. Histoplasmosis is caused by a fungus which lives in old buildings, attics and bat caves—especially in guano (feces) enriched soil. Transmission occurs by inhalation of fungal spores and has occurred in spelunkers who have explored Florida's bat caves.Toxoplasmosis is caused by a microscopic protozoan and is spread to humans by the handling of contaminated cat—such as bobcat—feces and by consumption of infected meat from deer, rabbits, and squirrels.

Transmission of Diseases from Wildlife to Humans

At least 30 different, infectious disease agents can be transmitted from Florida's wild mammals to humans— while a smaller number of infections can originate from birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Most of these disease agents can be avoided by following common sense practices such as

If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to a diseased wild animal, you should contact your physician for treatment and advice If you suspect rabies, you should also contact your local animal control service or county public health office.

In short, there is nothing more wonderful then our opportunities to enjoy viewing Wildlife. Wildlife may appear cute and inviting but every encounter with any wildlife is also a opportunity for you or family members to become sick or even die from contact with them. If you hunt wildlife, minimize your contact by wearing gloves and dispose of the carcasses properly. If you find a orphaned, or sick animal or bird please leave it alone. You can find someone who rescues wildlife by searching the internet in your area or phone book but please the contact to actual professionals and keep your family safe and healthy.

Nature's wild animals are both cute and adorable when glimpsed from your kitchen window or encountered in the park. Sightings are followed by smiles and "oohs" and "aahs" as we rush our children to the window to watch their charming antics. But these same wild animals quickly lose their charm when these wild animals seek shelter within the cozy confines of your home. Wild animals wreak considerable havoc outside their natural setting, they carry pests and diseases that pose a very real threat to your family's health and safety.

As urban population's grow, so do our chances of human-wildlife conflicts. The Professionals at Anytime Animal Control are specially trained in wildlife management. We resolve human-wildlife conflicts using responsible techniques and methods to preserve the animals natural habitat.What ever the situation. Anytime Animal Control and The Wildlife Pro, LLC has the knowledge, equipment, technology and commitment to professional resolve your conflicts with wildlife.

Should you require the service of a wildlife control professional in North Central Florida please remember to give me a call. You can find me through my web site, http://www.gainesvillewildliferemovals.com or http://www.anytimeanimalcontrol.com or phone me at 800-714-8727 .

GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- Health and safety risks from non-native iguanas in south Florida have prompted a University of Florida researcher and his team to recommend widespread use of artificial nest boxes to control the reptiles' population growth.

Homeowners and property managers have grown weary of green iguanas eating shrubs and damaging foundations and seawalls with subterranean nests and tunnels. The 3- to 5-foot-long lizards also create human health risks by defecating in swimming pools and on sidewalks, docks and moored boats, and endanger drivers when crossing or basking on roads.

The nest boxes are designed to humanely capture the troublesome lizards and their eggs, said Florida Museum of Natural History herpetologist Kenneth Krysko, lead author of a study published in the September edition of Iguana: Conservation, Natural History and Husbandry of Reptiles. This is the first study to describe the natural history of the green iguana (Iguana iguana) and its expanding geographic range in south Florida. The lizards are native to central America down to Brazil and the Caribbean Islands.

"Extensive use of artificial nest boxes by private property owners and land managers could potentially make a big dent in their population," Krysko said.

The study recommends the nest boxes in addition to traditional capture methods such as live traps, snares and nooses, and also advises south Florida residents to "plant vegetation that lacks showy flowers and colorful fruit," because such ornamentals are preferred iguana food.

"People are just frustrated, having to wrap wire netting around their hibiscus and ornamentals, keeping their plants in jail so to speak," said Kim Gabel, a Monroe County environmental horticulture extension agent who also said she receives several calls a month from residents trying to figure out what to do about their yards.

Wild green iguanas were first found in Miami-Dade County in 1964. They were later documented in Collier (1998), Lee (2000), Monroe (2001), Palm Beach (2003) and Broward counties. Between 1992 and 2006, Krysko's team compiled 3,169 photographs and specimens of green iguanas in these counties.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission biologist and study co-author Kevin Enge said he was contacted by the Florida Keys Invasive Exotics Task Force in 2003, when the group was concerned with green iguana impacts in their area. He suggested the possibility of creating artificial nest mounds to capture iguana eggs as a control method in areas where suitable nesting habitat was limited because of underlying limestone.

"The nest-box idea evolved from this suggestion, and we hope it proves effective," Enge said.

Some people are more tolerant of iguanas than others said FWC Exotic Species Coordinator Scott Hardin.

"Trapping and removing iguanas only works to a certain extent," Krysko said. "But the boxes are flexible because they can be used during nesting season from December to May to remove eggs, and year-round to catch both juveniles and adults. They also may be used for spiny-tailed iguanas, another type of large, non-native lizard in Florida."

One adult iguana can lay between 10 and 70 eggs per year, Krysko said.

"If a landowner is squeamish about euthanizing the lizards, then an iguanas' tendency to reuse a nest site in subsequent breeding seasons may increase the box's efficiency at capturing eggs, and helping to control population growth that way," Krysko said.

Green iguanas likely became established in south Florida due to a combination of mild weather and people releasing, protecting and feeding them. Releasing a captured non-native species is illegal, so those who use the artificial nest boxes are responsible for euthanizing the iguanas. The FWC approves of several methods, including freezing the reptile or having a veterinarian perform lethal injection.

The study's authors recommend a simple nest-box design: a 6-inch diameter pipe about 2 feet long leading below ground to a 15-by-8-by-4-inch chamber and a lid permitting above-ground access and monitoring. The box can be constructed from plastic, rubber or fiberglass to be lightweight, moveable and reusable.

"The biggest obstacle to overcome with iguanas is public education because people don't realize they are introduced and not native," said co-author Ellen Donlan of the South Florida Water Management District.

An independent scientist said he is eager to see how well the nest boxes work.

"The historical background for the green iguana invasion of Florida is interesting and the description of the problem itself is valuable," said Gregory Watkins-Colwell, a senior museum assistant in the division of vertebrate zoology at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History. "I suspect it will not only be a valuable tool for controlling the invasive populations of iguanas in the Florida Keys, but also in other areas of Florida where high density of introduced fire ants may limit the available nest sites."

"Don't forget, green iguanas are also good to eat," Krysko said. "There are a lot of good recipes floating around on the Internet for iguana entrées." Krysko cautioned that although non-indigenous species have no protection status in our state, they must be killed humanely. He also said people should be mindful to not trespass or collect them from a national or state park.

Additional co-authors include Jason Seitz of Creative Environmental Solutions, an environmental consulting firm, and Elizabeth Golden of Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, located on Key Biscayne in Miami-Dade County.

Robb Russell with a bat he rescued from inside a home. The bat was released back into the wild near its colony.

Other Guidelines Affecting The Trapping of Nuisance Animals Nuisance

Bats may not be trapped , and removed only by use of a exclusion device which allows escape from and blocks re-entry into a roost site located within a structure (including chemical repellents), at any time from August 15 to April 15 . The dates from April 16-August 14 are maternity periods for these protected mammals so that adult bats are not separated from flightless young trapped inside a structure, which would cause starvation and take of the young.

The use of netting that does not allow for ingress and egress of adult separating them from their flightless young is illegal. YThe use of chemicals such as Moth balls that kill bats is not illegal and can never be performed. Remember the killing of bats in Florida is against the law.

Permanent repairs during these maternity periods such as re-roofing will require proper exclusion methods first and work ceased if bats are present during this maternity period. Approved bat exclusion work can only be done during this period of time and only after the completion approved methods since the killing of bats is illegal in Florida.

No exclusion work may be conducted unless a minimum of four consecutive days/nights for which the low temperature is forecasted by the U.S. National Weather Service to remain above 50°F prior to repairs and during the time-period specified.

The Wildlife Pro, LLC fully supports this law, and is thankful for FWC's new steps to protect Florida's Bat Wildlife and has been performing under these guidelines for years. If you are concerned about a bat infestation, or invasion please give us a call for a thorough and complete inspection at our call Service Center 1-800-714-8727 or through our web sites, GainesvilleWildlifeRemoval.com , or AnytimeAnimalControl.Com

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Rabies is just one of many communicable diseases that can be spread by something as simple as picking up and carrying for a hurt or orphaned animal. failure to take ample safety precautions can put you or your family at risk. Don't pick up wild animals please!

Rabies is one of the oldest known viral diseases, yet today it remains a significant wildlife-management and public-health challenge. Rabies affects the central nervous system of un-vaccinated animals that are exposed to the virus and is invariably fatal. many species of wildlife are known to be carriers or vectors of rabies-Raccoons, Fox, feral cats, bats, and lets not forget our own domesticated animals that may come in contact with them such as cats (rare) and dogs.

What to do if bitten by any animal

If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal that mightbe rabid, do the following:

• Act promptly, but do not panic. It takes time for the rabiesvirus to react in the body.

• Capture and kill the suspect animal, if possible, withoutdestroying the head.

• Wash the wound immediately and thoroughly with generousamounts of soap and water. Then apply rubbing alcohol ora strong solution of water and iodine to the exposed areas(except for the eyes, of course).

• Contact a physician immediately after this first-aid treatment.Rabies vaccine and antiserum will then be administered asrequired.

The following are from The Center For Disease Control:

Rabies is a viral disease caused by infection of the central nervous systems of wild and domestic animals and humans. The initial symptoms of human rabies resemble those of other systemic viral infections, including fever, headache, malaise, and disorders of the upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Recognizing that a person has been exposed to the virus and prompt treatment are essential for preventing rabies. For once clinical symptoms have begun, there is no treatment for rabies and almost all patients will die from the disease or its complications within a few weeks of onset.

In the United States, wild animals (especially bats, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, and foxes) are the most important sources of rabies infection. Indigenous rabid bats have been reported from every state except Hawaii. Individual bats from most of the estimated 41 bat species in the United States have been found to be infected with rabies virus. Rabies virus associated with insectivorous bats (those that feed principally on insects) accounted for 32 of the 35 indigenous rabies cases in humans in the United States between 1958 and 2000.

Rabies is transmitted via an infected animal’s bite or by contamination of abrasions, open wounds, mucous membranes or theoretically, scratches, by infectious material such as saliva. Contact with the blood, urine, or manure of a rabid animal is not a risk factor for contracting rabies. Consequently, workers exposed to accumulations of bat droppings in environments from which bats have been excluded have no rabies risk. Although spelunkers seldom have direct contact with bats, they are included in a frequent-risk category by CDC because of potential for bite, nonbite, or aerosol exposure to the rabies virus. Two fatal cases of rabies in humans have been attributed to possible airborne exposures in caves containing millions of free-tailed bats. In addition, between 1990 and 2000, a bite was documented in only 2 of the 24 U.S. human rabies cases caused by bat-associated rabies virus variants. This suggests “that transmission of rabies virus can occur from minor, seemingly unimportant, or unrecognized bites from bats.” (144) While aerosol transmission of the rabies virus from bats to people is theoretically possible under extraordinary conditions, the risk is otherwise negligible.

The percentage of rabid bats in any colony is probably low (0.5% or less). However, a dead bat should still never be picked up with bare hands since its death may have been caused by an infectious agent. The rabies virus can remain infectious in a carcass until decomposition is well advanced. Thus, whenever possible, a shovel or some other tool should be used to pick up and dispose of a dead bat. If a dead bat must be handled, wearing heavy work gloves should minimize the risk of disease transmission because of an accidental scratch from the bat’s teeth or by contamination of existing scratches or abrasions on a worker’s hands.

Squirrels are small, desructive furry rodents who become a nuisance when they enter attics, soffits, and other areas of buildings. Squirrels are capable of causing damage through their gnawing activities, including creating a fire risk when they gnaw through the insulation on wires. Squirrels also contaminate buildings with the shed hairs, urine, and droppings, and the parasites they carry can transmit many serious arboviral diseases.

Raccoon Trapping and Control

Raccoons are intelligent, medium-sized destructive mammals who frequently take up residence in attics, chimneys, sheds, barns, and other homes and buildings. Raccoons are stocky, powerful animals who can become aggressive and cause serious injury if approached. Raccoons also have a high incidence of rabies, and their parasites can vector many serious diseases. Raccoon control usually is accomplished by trapping and then having a professional identify areas needed for animal damage repair and prevention.

Raccoons will use separate areas in a attic as toilets and the fecal and urine matter can cause the spread of dangerous diseases such as raccoon roundworm and other diseases.

Bat Control and Removal

Bats are beneficial mammals because they consume about 1000 insects an hour each during their nightly flights and up to 600o-8000 insects in one evening and basically eat their weight in insects with each nights flights. Bats become a nuisance when they nest in attics, barns, bell towers, soffits, and other parts of buildings. Their guano (droppings) contain disease-causing organisms, their parasites can transmit serious diseases, and the bats themselves have a high incidence of rabies. Bat control is accomplished primarily by exclusion or the use of one way exit doors. The use of glueboards, mothballs are in many parts of the country illegal since many bats species are endangered and protected by the federal government and many local and state agencies.The trapping and use of nets with bats is illegal in some parts of the country because many get injured and can no longer fly.

Bird Control

Three species of birds are considered pests and may be controlled at will: Pigeons, starlings, and sparrows. Other species, such as geese, are considered "nuisance wildlife" and may be controlled using different methods, when necessary. Birds become pests when they exist in great numbers where they are not desired, when they cause damage or defacement to buildings or statuary, when their droppings create a health hazard around human-occupied areas, when they clog the air intakes to home or industrial ventilation systems, or when they create a hazard to air navigation such as colliding with manned commercial or military aircraft.

Pigeons cause defacement and accelerated building deterioration, fouling and soiling, noise and nuisance, poor public appearance & image, health hazards, transmission of disease, contamination of water / food supplies, public / employee safety and equipment damage. Cost of bird strikes and delays / cancellations to the commercial and military aviation industry is estimated to be $1.0 billion to $1.5 billion dollars a year. Monetary losses and damages caused by pigeon and bird feces to businesses, transportation entities, utilities and the general public goes largely unreported costing consumers untold multi-millions of dollars each year.

Do pigeons pose a health risk? YES. Aside from the parasites & mites, they will provide you with ...Histoplasmosis

Starlings are very aggressive and will drive native birds out of its territory, much to the dismay of local bird watchers. Starlings are well noted for their flocking habits. They often gather in the tens of thousands, creating a huge nuisance when roosting in populated areas. Starlings are a major nuisance in urban areas due to their nesting, eating and living habits. When the bird is in its flocking phase, thousands of starlings often overwhelm urban buildings.

House Sparrows droppings and feathers create janitorial problems as well as hazardous, unsanitary, and odoriferous situations inside and outside of buildings and sidewalks under roosting areas.

Mole Control

Moles are very small, burrowing mammals that burrow and damages lawns or gardens. They are particularly destructive when they infest golf courses, athletic fields, and other recreational or ornamental lawns. Mole control is not dependent on insect control, as was once believed. A mole's diet consists primarily of earthworms, and grubs.

Chipmunk Control

Chipmunks are small, ground-dwelling squirrels with tan and brown bodies and stripes running lengthwise down their bodies. They become a nuisance when they are present in large numbers, when they dig up gardens or lawns, or when they gnaw on electrical and other utility cables (especially those connected to air conditioning compressors, generators, and other outdoor equipment). Control is accomplished by trapping.

Vole Control

Voles are small burrowing mammals who are commonly known as "meadow mice" or "field mice," but they're not really mice. They become a nuisance mainly because of their burrowing activities, which create unsightly runways in lawns and garden areas. They also occasionally get into homes and other structures, where they usually are mistaken for mice. Control is primarily by trapping and exclusion.

Shrew Control

Shrews are tiny rodents with long snouts and dark-tipped teeth. They are primarily carnivores in nature but will feed on almost anything, including insects, grubs, earthworms, small birds, eggs, fish, human garbage, bird seed, pet food, and small rodents. Their high metabolism and endless feeding activity causes them to consume far more food than one would expect from such a small animal. They also leave a strong odor wherever they travel which can become quite unpleasant when they get into homes and other buildings. Shrew control is accomplished primarily through trapping and exclusion.

Groundhog (Woodchuck) Control

Groundhogs (also called "woodchucks") are large, burrowing rodents who primarily eat grasses, berries, and other plant products, although they will also eat grasshoppers and other insects on occasion. They are disliked mainly because of the burrows they dig, which can range to 50 feet in length and usually have several openings. These burrows damage golf courses and lawns, and create an injury hazard because they are large enough for a person to step in or trip over.

Woodchucks, groundhogs, or whistle pigs as they are sometimes referred to as, are common throughout much of the eastern United States. They are short stocky animals with strong short legs attached to a chunky body. They typical weight between 5 and 15 pounds and can reach lengths of 15 to 20 inches.They have long front claws that assist them in digging. Woodchucks are proficient diggers and there dens can reach depths of 3 feet and reach over 20 feet in length.

Mating occurs in the spring, shortly after emerging from hibernation. After a 32 day gestation period 2 to 6 young are born, both blind and hairless.They stay with mom until late June or early July when they venture off in search of there own territory. Once established woodchucks are territorial and will fight off other den intruders, such as skunks, opossums, or other woodchucks. An established den site can be used for several seasons and possible several generations.

Woodchucks are strict vegetarians, favoring green plants, such as clover and alfalfa. In residential areas, woodchucks will eat beans, carrot greens, lettuce, cabbage, marigolds, pansies, and pumpkins to name a few. Woodchucks can turn a beautiful well kept vegetable garden to stubs in a very short period of time.

In the wild woodchucks are common prey for hawks, owls, coyotes, red and gray foxes, and domestic dogs, but in a protected residential area they live almost predator free.

Skunk Control

Skunks (polecats) are medium-sized, primarily nocturnal animals whose diet consists mainly of insects and small rodents. as well as grasses, berries, and other plant products. They also are one of the few animals who eat honeybees. Although passive by nature, skunks will defend themselves with a foul-smelling spray that they can discharge with pinpoint if they feel threatened. This ability is the main reason why skunks are disliked.

Skunks breed once a year unlike humans. This event is all important too the survival of the species, just think if we could only do this once every year and how it would effect our behavior?

A female skunk is the boss she finds the den site,decks,porches,under buildings are favored places. These can be recognized by a small,4 to 8 inch half moon shaped hole or as we referto it as a duck under. The best sites are chosen that have both food and shelter and are occupied by the dominant female of that area. Foods can be just bug larvae or even mice. When the female finds one of these she will go in and dig a depression and fill it with leaves or other debris she is now ready to entertain suitors and then a home to have her litter of baby skunks.

Once she comes into season she waits for a male to find her and they do,coming from as far away as ten miles to breed! This courtship is not all hugs and kisses. It is a violent fight between the female and her partner.

The stink you smell is part of this ritual. The female can only accept a male if it can dominate her, reminds me of cavemen rituals.

Snake Control-

Most snakes are harmless and most snake bites caused by provocation of a snake in the first place. Snakes typically will leave humans alone if left alone in the first place. If you do have a snake problem in your home or building, we can however help with identification, removal of the snake and further prevention of limiting re-occurance by of visitations of snakes.